Lunch-time volunteers

Children thrive with good nutrition

Our aim is to feed every child who attends our pre-school, and to this end we overlap our morning and afternoon sessions so that children attending both sessions have the opportunity to join us for lunch. This can mean that more children are with us during the lunch-time period than in each of our sessions, and so naturally more adults are needed to support the children to eat their lunch.

We want to remove barriers to children being able to access good nutrition, and so we do not charge for a child's lunch, other than to ask for a small donation should families feel able to give.

Having the opportunity for good nutrition is proven to support children's growth and development in so many ways; from nutrient-rich food providing the essential vitamins, minerals, and energy needed for optimal physical and brain development, bone strength and immune function, to the emotional and social progression encouraged by sitting with their peers at the table, sharing a meal together.

What can you expect from the role?

You may be asked to take part in:

• sitting alongside a child, potentially with additional needs, who requires a little extra support to eat their lunch. This may be to encourage them to stay in their seat by talking to them and showing them how to use cutlery, encouraging them to try new tastes and explore the food on their plate
• serving plates of food to children at the table
• clearing plates from the table
• wiping tables before and after lunch, and if any water or food is spilled
• helping children to wash their hands before and after lunch
• helping them to get their coats and belongings together before going home

The children you support will be two to four years old. Some will be just getting used to having lunch at pre-school, while others will be very used to the routine. There will usually be at least two members of pre-school staff in the room with you at any one time over the lunchtime period.

We would ask you to complete a short application form, explaining why you would like to join as a volunteer, and would carry out an enhanced volunteer DBS check. We would then ask you to sign up to the 'update service' on receipt of a clear check. There would be no cost to you for this.

We would also require two references before you join us as a volunteer, and that you complete a short online safeguarding course. This only takes a couple of hours and can be done on site at COG or at home. Again, this is at no cost to you and would also provide a useful addition to your skill-set, perhaps benefitting you in other future roles.